Molecularly imprinted electrochemical sensor for propyl gallate based on PtAu bimetallic nanoparticles modified graphene-carbon nanotube composites

A novel molecularly imprinted electrochemical sensor for propyl gallate (PG) determination was developed via electropolymerization of an o-phenylenediamine membrane in the presence of template molecules on glassy carbon electrode surface modified by PtAu bimetallic nanoparticles-capped graphene-carbon nanotubes composites (PtAu-GrCNTs). The modified electrodes were characterized by cyclic voltammetry, scanning electron microscope, x-ray diffraction and chronoamperometry. Moreover, experimental parameters such as scan cycles, incubation time, molar ratios of template molecules to functional monomers and extraction time were optimized. It was found that the PtAu-GrCNTs composite could effectively enhance the electron transfer efficiency and remarkably improve the sensitivity of the sensor. The results revealed the sensor displayed superb resistance to no-specific binding, very attractive detection limit as low as 2.51×10−8 mol/L, and a wide linear range from 7×10−8 mol/L to 1×10−5 mol/L towards PG. Furthermore, the MIPs sensor was also successfully used for the detection of PG in food samples. Therefore, the MIPs-based electrochemical sensing strategy might provide a sensitive, rapid, and cost-effective method for PG determination and related food safety analysis.